Making scientists : six principles for effective college teaching / Gregory Light, Marina Micari.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Light, Greg, 1951-

Contributor:

Micari, Marina.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Science--Study and teaching (Higher).

Science.

Effective teaching.

College teaching.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (304 p.)

Place of Publication:

Cambridge, Massachusetts : Harvard University Press, 2013.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

For many college students, studying the hard sciences seems out of the question. Students and professors alike collude in the prejudice that physics and molecular biology, mathematics and engineering are elite disciplines restricted to a small number with innate talent. Gregory Light and Marina Micari reject this bias, arguing, based on their own transformative experiences, that environment is just as critical to academic success in the sciences as individual ability. Making Scientists lays the groundwork for a new paradigm of how scientific subjects can be taught at the college level, and how we can better cultivate scientists, engineers, and other STEM professionals.The authors invite us into Northwestern University's Gateway Science Workshop, where the seminar room is infused with a sense of discovery usually confined to the research lab. Conventional science instruction demands memorization of facts and formulas but provides scant opportunity for critical reflection and experimental conversation. Light and Micari stress conceptual engagement with ideas, practical problem-solving, peer mentoring, and-perhaps most important-initiation into a culture of cooperation, where students are encouraged to channel their energy into collaborative learning rather than competition with classmates. They illustrate the tangible benefits of treating students as apprentices-talented young people taking on the mental habits, perspectives, and wisdom of the scientific community, while contributing directly to its development.Rich in concrete advice and innovative thinking, Making Scientists is an invaluable guide for all who care about the future of science and technology.

Contents:

Contents; Introduction; 1. The Gateway Science Workshop Program ; 2. Learning Deeply; 3. Engaging Problems; 4. Connecting Peers; 5. Mentoring Learning; 6. Creating Community; 7. Doing Research; 8. Creating Lasting Change in the STEM Classroom; Epilogue; Notes; Index

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 253-281) and index.

ISBN:

9780674075221

0674075226

9780674075191

0674075196

OCLC:

829713439